1980 Lincoln Continental vs. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL
To start off, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is newer by 16 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Lincoln Continental. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Lincoln Continental would be higher. At 5,956 cc (8 cylinders), 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (375 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 245 more horse power than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (130 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL should accelerate faster than 1980 Lincoln Continental. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL weights approximately 195 kg more than 1980 Lincoln Continental. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL (580 Nm @ 3750 RPM) has 267 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Lincoln Continental. (313 Nm @ 2000 RPM). This means 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Lincoln Continental.
Compare all specifications:
1980 Lincoln Continental | 1996 Mercedes-Benz SL | |
Make | Lincoln | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | Continental | SL |
Year Released | 1980 | 1996 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 4942 cc | 5956 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | V | V |
Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 130 HP | 375 HP |
Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 313 Nm | 580 Nm |
Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 3750 RPM |
Engine Bore Size | 101.6 mm | 100 mm |
Engine Stroke Size | 76.2 mm | 94.8 mm |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Vehicle Weight | 1855 kg | 2050 kg |
Vehicle Length | 5570 mm | 4510 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1990 mm | 1820 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1300 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2520 mm |